'Leigh' - Documentary
About the project
‘Leigh’ is a feature length documentary being made by filmmaker Ryan Gaskett, following the life of Australian chainsaw sculptor Leigh Conkie.
Provocative, funny, and profoundly moving, this story delves into many of the darker elements of the human condition.
Leigh’s childhood was one of many hardships and adversities. A victim of serious abuse and torment, he turned to drugs as an escape during his teenage years.
Using softeners like painkillers, and soon moving to heavier drugs like LSD and Heroin, Leigh found his drug of choice in Crystal Meth Amphetamine (ICE). Teased during his childhood years for his inability to read, he had now found his savior in ICE, which he felt strangely corrected his dyslexia.
Addicted for years to Crystal Meth, the destruction had taken its toll, and Leigh found his only way out through the art of chainsaw sculpture. Truly himself when in the creative space, Leigh uses art to escape his mind, and find peace in the moment.
Despite all of Leighs past and present struggles, his truest nature still shines very bright, full of infectious humor and optimism.
Ryan Gaskett follows Leigh through this current stage of his life, dealing with addictions, facing his demons, and his work as an artist. Featuring in depth interviews with Leigh and those closest to him.
In this documentary Leigh opens up for the first time about his darkest times, his happiest moments, and his constant battle with the past.
Leigh Conkie - Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive
Where the money is going
The money is needed for the production and postproduction stages of the film. 40 hours of footage has already been shot, covering in depth interviews, active shots, and cutaways. However, the narrative for this documentary lies in Leighs current life situation, and therefore the main portion of the filming will now take place.
Funding is required for equipment such as cameras, lighting and hard drives, but the main costs involved are based on time, in which $10,000 will allow me to film and edit 1-2 days per week for approximately 6 months. This really is the bare minimum it would take to move this film ahead, but realistically $30,000 will enable the creation of the film I envision, and will also cover the later costs of grading, festival runs, marketing and distribution. Pozible works on an ‘All or Nothing’ system, so if the target is not reached there will be no funding for the film. Pozible suggest that you aim at the lowest possible amount it would take to get the project moving ahead.
Every little bit counts, and you can support the project from as little as $1! Your pledges are only charged at the end if the target is reached. If the $10k target is not reached all pledges will be cancelled and you won’t be charged. And if the target is reached, it would be fantastic to keep the pledges coming through all the way to the end, and hopefully take this way beyond the line!
Leigh Conkie Artwork
Rewards
Pledging to this film is not only an investment in seeing the finished product. I have created many rewards based on the amount you may like to pledge, which range from owning a copy of the DVD, spending a day on set filming with cast and crew, and owning your very own original Leigh Conkie sculpture! You can see the list of the rewards to the right of screen. Reward delivery dates are subject to completed film date, and you will be further contacted closer to the date.
Be sure to watch the video above, titled ‘Leigh Documentary – 10 minute demo’, before donating, as this will give you an good understanding of where this film is heading, and where the funding will take it.
10% of the films profits will be donated to Beyond Blue.

Thankyou
Thankyou so much for taking the time to read this page and watch the videos.
If you would like to be a part of this wonderful journey, please donate, like the Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, and spread the word as much as you can! Your support is really, really appreciated, and I look forward to fulfilling this dream, and bringing you this amazing story!
www.facebook,com/leighdocumentary
Twitter/@leighdocoEmail: [email protected]
Additional Videos
The Letter
Bang Bang, like Charlie Sheen
The Challenges
Thankyou! Your support is greatly appreciated!
A Thankyou message from the filmmaker, on our facebook page and twitter!
Thankyou message from the filmmaker, on our facebook page and twitter + Free stream of the film (after festival run & theatrical release)
Thankyou message from the filmmaker, on our facebook page and twitter + Free stream of the film (after festival run & theatrical release) + Your very own copy of the film on DVD (after festival run & theatrical release)
Thankyou message from the filmmaker, on our facebook page and twitter + Free stream of the film (after festival run & theatrical release) + Your very own copy of the film on DVD (after festival run & theatrical release) SIGNED by Leigh and the Director
All of the above + Your name in the closing credits of the film
All of the above + Exclusive one off still frame from the film, framed and signed by Leigh and the Director
All of the above + Double pass to the first private screening of the film with cast and crew (not including travel)
All of the above + An Executive Producer credit in the film
I will create a 10 minute documentary for you on a special person in your life, e.g family member, spouse, friend. Would be ideal for birthday, anniversary, special event, etc. Package includes: - 1 Hour consultation - 8 Hours of filming - 8 Hours of editing (first cut) - 1 Hour revision consultation - 4 Hours of editing (revision) - Delivery as Master File and DVD *Exclusive Offer. Does not include above rewards. *Offer available for delivery from December 2013 onwards
All of the above + One day on set, filming with cast and crew, including lunch
All of the above + Personal one day tour of Leigh’s artwork with Leigh and the Director for 2 people, including lunch at Sky High restaurant in the Dandenongs
All of the above + Your very own original Leigh Conkie Sculpture
(Corporate Pledge) – Your corporate sponsor logo in film credits, DVD cover, Facebook page, website, and publications